Heartburn-Reflux Disease Information
Heartburn,commonly a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD),can often be effectively managed with a combination of dietary changes,lifestyle modification and medications.
Medications, when taken properly,can play an effective role in the short and long term management of both the symptoms of heartburn and the health consequences of GERD. Proton pump inhibitors(PPIs),such as Prilosec,Prevacid, nexium and Protonix,should ideally be taken 15-30 minutes before the first meal of the day.
Avoiding chocolate,peppermint,fried or fatty foods,caffeine and alcohol may improve GERD symptoms.
Stopping smoking and weight loss both help to improve symptoms.
Helpful Tips
Eating out has become a national pastime for Americans. It seems there's a restaurant around every corner, offering specialized cuisine and the convenience of a made-for-you meal. Unfortunately for sufferers, a heartburn episode often follows a restaurant meal, whether it's fine dining or fast food. While you may have already experienced heartburn after dining out, what you may not know is there are some simple tips that can help alleviate – if not eliminate – heartburn brought on by a restaurant meal.
Just as at home, some foods served at restaurants, such as high-fat dishes, certain spices, citrus products like tomatoes or oranges, caffeinated beverages and chocolate, can bring on heartburn. Trigger foods may be different for each individual. You have probably already identified yours; if not, see our personal reflux record to help you keep track of your heartburn trigger foods and beverages. With a little thought and creativity, you can avoid – or find substitutes for – your trigger foods, and still have an enjoyable meal.
Restaurant meals can also bring on heartburn because they tend to be higher in fat. Fat takes longer to digest, so food stays in the stomach longer and has a greater likelihood of causing problems. Restaurant portions also tend to be larger than recommended serving sizes. This increases pressure in the stomach and may cause acidic stomach contents to backsplash into the esophagus.
There are factors you can control when dining at a restaurant to limit heartburn: choice of menu items, beverages, and portion sizes. The following recommendations, along with suggestions for ordering at three of the most common types of restaurants, will help you make heartburn-smart choices when dining out.
General Tips
Questions to ask the server:
How is the dish prepared?
Can my menu selection be grilled or broiled instead of fried or sautéed?
Does this dish come with a high-fat gravy or sauce that could be served on the side?
Could I split an entrée with a friend rather than ordering a large meal on my own?
Questions to ask yourself:
Does this meal contain any of my personal trigger foods?
Will having a cocktail, beer or glass of wine with dinner make my heartburn worse?
Do I really want or need dessert, or is it just a matter of habit?
What to avoid:
Foods that are fried, sautéed or prepared in butter or oil
High-fat side dishes such as onion rings or French fries
High-fat sauces, gravies and salad dressings
Tomato-based foods and juices
Caffeinated beverages such as cola and iced tea
Citrus drinks like lemonade or orange juice
Alcoholic beverages
Chocolate
After dinner mints (peppermint can exacerbate heartburn)
What to look for:
White meat, which is lower in fat than dark
Leaner cuts of red meat
Smaller portion sizes
White wine instead of red
Lighter desserts, such as angel food cake
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